6/14/17

The Mets kept drafting an abundance of right handed college senior, 21-22 year old pitchers.

In the 4th round, the Mets selected 21 year old right hand pitcher Tony Dibrell.

In rounds 6 through 10, selected were right hand pitchers one and all, and only one not aged 22. Many Kingsport Mets pitchers, including Jordan Humphreys, are already pitching in Columbia this year, so it appears there is much restocking of starters in the upper levels of Mets rookie ball.

In rounds 5 through 10, none of the players selected were in the MLB Top 200 Prospect ranking. Mel Allen just said, "How 'bout that?"

Anyway, back to details: in Round 6, the Mets selected:

MARCEL RENTERIA

A 5'11', 185 College senior out of New Mexico State with the 187th overall pick.

The Las Cruces Sun-News wrote the following about him:

Aggies redshirt junior right handed pitcher Marcel Renteria was selected in the sixth round (No. 187 overall) on Tuesday by the New York Mets, becoming the fifth NMSU player to be selected in the Top 10 rounds.

"I have always wanted the opportunity to play professional baseball," Renteria said. "College is half of the battle and a dream come true but to be drafted is something that I am humbled by and grateful for.'

While he expected to be drafted, Renteria said he was slightly surprised to go so early. "My goal was to be drafted in the Top 10 rounds and I was told I had that opportunity but I got the call today (Tuesday) and (the Mets) told me that I was on their board," Renteria said.

The Mets were one of 10 teams that showed interest in Renteria between a preseason showcase for Major League scouts and throughout his 2017 season in Las Cruces.

Renteria said he will sign with the Mets organization rather than return for his senior year.

According to BaseballAmerica.com, the No. 187 pick will receive a $237,600 signing bonus.

“Marcel exemplified what it means to be an Aggie in terms of team-first integrity, energy-positive, ownership, and to place the needs of the team above his own," Green said in a NMSU press release. "...we are so proud and excited for Marcel in being selected by the Mets in the sixth round. They are bringing in a winner and the ultimate team player."

In two years at NMSU after transferring from Pima CC, Renteria was 12-7 at NMSU with a 4.76 earned run average in 32 appearances. (Brennan note: ERA is surprisingly high for a 6th rounder).

As a usual weekend starter for the Aggies, Renteria posted 165 Ks through 158.2 innings of work with a .273 opponent batting average. After facing 717 batters over two seasons, the Nogales, Ariz. native allowed just one triple and 13 HRs.

Listed at just 5-foot-11, Renteria's ability to reach the mid to upper 90s with his fastball gave him an opportunity to play professional baseball. "I have my foot in the door and now it's just time to start grinding and see if I can get to the big leagues," Renteria said.